As the campaign for who will represent the Anambra East/West Federal Constituency at the Green Chambers in 2023 gathers momentum, stakeholders are pitching their tents with their preferred candidate. Aside from several issues being raised in the campaign, number one is the agitation that out of the 21 years of civil rule since 1999, that Anambra West occupied the position for only seven years while Anambra East held it for the rest of the years. The second argument is that no individual has occupied the position in two tenures, straight away.
In declaring their support, some hinge their reasons on party politics, personal and sectional benefits or outrightly do not know why they support a particular candidate. Some, however, argue that the candidates should be analyzed on their individual’s capacity, educational background, competence and integrity; adding that political party should not be an issue because Nigerian politicians only use party as platform to contest elections and may decamp, thereafter.
Meanwhile, a good number base their decisions and arguments on verifiable facts, devoid of emotions, party, sectional or trivial interests.
From all indications, the race appears to be between Chief Chinedu Obidigwe of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Peter Aniekwe of Labour Party (LP) and Hon. Victor Okoye of All Progressives Congress (APC). Not much is been said about Hon. Obinna Emeneka, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, especially in Anambra West.
Former Councillor, Oroma Etiti Anam and staunch chieftain of APGA, Chief Albert Okeke (Omega) said, “With regards to representation of Anambra East and West in National Assembly, Chief Chinedu Obidigwe of APGA shall be allowed to complete his eight years.
“It’s very important to note that Anambra East and West have elected Hon. Obi Anosike, ChrisCato Ameke and now Hon Obidigwe from the East and also Hon. Nze Ralph Okeke (twice) and Barr. Peter Mmadubueze (Okaka Anam) was elected from the West. This makes it three tenures each, from both local governments.
“Although it should be noted also that Hon. Alphonsus Igbeke (Ubanese) and Comrade Tony Nwoye, both from Nsugbe, snatched the mandates given to our brothers, which caused them not to serve full tenure as House of Representative Members. According to Okeke, it should be blamed on Nsugbe alone, not on the entire Anambra East. “On this basis therefore, I prefer Hon. Obidigwe to complete his second tenure, then it shall be the turn of Anambra West in 2027” he said.
Omega opined that Chief Peter Anekwe (Macpee) and Hon. Victor Okoye Obataobie who is contesting through the Labour Party and All Progressives Congress, respectively, should wait till 2027. He noted that Obatobie and Macpee are his brothers; but argued that 2027 shall be reserved for them and notable others like Hon Patrick Udoba Ezego Anam, Chief Edochie Onuora (Mandate), Surveyor Alex Okeke and Hon TonyCollins Nwabunwanne (Ife Anam) to compete against each other and the best selected by the voters.
On Anambra West candidates, particularly, he said, “As it stands today, Chief Peter Anekwe, Macpee stands a better chance to win than Hon Victor Okoye Obataobie.
“One, due to community conflicts between Umuoyalla of Oromaetiti Anam and Umuenwelum Anam, it’s very difficult for the two to be trusted by members of either community to represent them. Two, it’s also a very difficult thing for Nzam voters to vote for Hon. Okoye, bearing in mind that the Umuenwelum Anam and Nzam are still settling communal land conflict that happened a few years ago. Three, APC as a political party has not won any elective position in Anambra State, especially in our constituency.”
“In final analysis, I am suggesting that all hands should be on deck for APGA candidates both at federal or state levels for equity. So, in 2027, while Anambra West will go for the House of Representatives, the House of Assembly moves to Igala zone.
Aligning with Omega, Hon. Isaac Obadiegwu, an APGA chieftain, said that Chinedu Obidigwe stands the best chance and no one else can match him. He insisted that the coming elections belong to Apga candidates; asserting that Chief Obidigwe particularly is more competent, very open and works to the people’s admiration.
Disagreeing on the arrangements suggested by Omega, a respondent said that such agreements are not legally binding and nothing shall stop the Anambra East people, if not Obidigwe, from contesting for the position. The respondent cited several cases where no such arrangement worked. A typical one being the northern and southern parts of Nigeria.
On his part, Onowu Paul Obiorah (Chimnualumogu), disagrees on choice of candidate. He said, “At the moment, Anambra East and West constituency needs a competent representation. It requires an experienced, proactive, intelligent, vocal and vibrant representative to revamp and restore the lost years of under-representation.
“From the foregoing, Hon Victor Jideofor Okoye is the best choice for the job. He has the experience and has mastered the legislative indices and processes.
According to Obiora, “Obatobie has a better chance than Macpee in the forthcoming election. Macpee is only popular in Anambra West. The popularity has no electoral clout. His popularity rests on the age grade cult of ndi Anam. But Obatobie is a household name in every political family of Anambra West.
“The pedigree of the two gentlemen in politics can’t be measured. Macpee is an infantry in this regard. Therefore, Obataobie stands tall here. Ndi Anambra and Anambra West should plead with Macpee to drop his ambition and work on the project of seeing Obatobie wins. Obatobie’s win is our collective win.
“From Macpee’s background (business) he will do well in the executive arm. Especially as the chairman of the council. This is time for collective agreement and common synergy to get it right, but with our best in the race.”
As an option, a prominent Anambra West indigene and APGA stakeholder noted that it is unarguable that it is the turn of Anambra West to produce the next House of Representatives member. He however suggested that there could be an agreement where Obidigwe from Anambra East should be allowed to do another tenure, making it eight years. So that in 2027, Anambra West will be supported for eight years before another rotation.
Multichannel 247 learnt that Anambra West stakeholders are working on prevailing on Obatobie or Macpee to agree to present one person, so that the votes in Anambra West will not be divided, if the objective of producing the next Anambra East/West Constituency representative will be achieved.
